Unicameral Bone Cyst
Important Facts about Unicameral Bone Cyst
A mysterious disorder that occurs almost exclusively to those under 20 years of age is a unicameral bone cyst. There is no known cause, rarely any symptoms indicating the disorder and, often, no treatment necessary.
The definition of the unicameral bone cyst, or simple bone cyst as it is sometimes called, is a benign, fluid filled cavity on a bone. This condition generally afflicts children between the ages of 5 and 15, although it can also occur rarely in adults. In young ones, the most common bones where the cyst is found are the long bone between the shoulder and elbow as well as the thigh bone. For some reason, boys seem to acquire the disorder twice as often as girls. No causal effect has been able to be pinpointed in any case that could lead to any form of preventative measures.
With no symptoms exhibited for the disorder, the presence of a unicameral bone cyst is usually accidental. The fluid filled cyst can be detected through standard x-rays, where the shallow cavity in the bone will be revealed. In some cases, the cyst becomes invasive; filling the area of the bone where the shaft meets the end of the bone. When this occurs, it may create the possibility of a fracture, general weakness in the bone or the irreparable damage of a bone’s growth plate. This acceleration of the condition would cause pain.
Once it has been determined that a unicameral bone cyst exists, the doctor will determine what course of action needs to be taken. The cyst can be termed as either an active cyst or a latent cyst. The active cyst is one that is near a growth plate and can cause problems due to the increased size of the cyst, while the latent cyst is more amenable to treatment. Since a unicameral bone cyst is benign, or non-cancerous, one that is without pain or any related symptoms will most likely be monitored over time through periodic x-rays.
For the unicameral bone cyst that poses a danger in creating a weaker bone structure or fracture, or that is causing pain, surgery may be recommended. The procedure may be as simple as aspirating the cyst to drain the fluid. A more drastic surgery could include cleaning the inner bone by scraping it with a curette, followed by a bone graft to fill the void.
Often, the presence of a unicameral bone cyst will go unnoticed throughout life; healing on its own with no treatment. Even when diagnosed, monitoring the progress of the condition is all that is required. Only occasionally will the condition be considered to be serious enough for any surgical action; the need for which will be decided between a surgeon and the parents.